The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1887-10-02

TO her. east them from the window. Dur
ing the rest OF the day she was consider
ably distraite. and even manifested more
temper thar she was wont to do; and
later. when her father rode away on his
daily visit 70 Morristown. she felt
strangely relieved. BY noon the snow
ceased. or rather turned INTO a driving
sleet that again in turn gave way to rain.
Nv this time she became absorbed in her
household duties-in which she was usu-
ally skillful-and I'm her own thoughts
that today had a novelty in their mean
Ing. In the midst Of this, at about dark,
her o being in the rear OF the house.
she was perhaps unmindful OF the tramp
ling OF horse without or the sound Of
voices in the hall below. Neither was UNI
common at that time. Although pro-
tected BY the Continental army from for
age or the rudeness OF soldiery, the Bios
som farm had always been a hating place
for passing troopers, c0mmissary team
sters and reconnoitering officers. Gen.
Sullivan and Col. Hamilton had watered
their horses at its broad, substantial way
side trough and sat in the shade OF It's
porch. Miss Thankful was only awak-
ened from her day dream by the entrance
of the negro farm hand. Caesar.
"Fo' God, Missy Thankful, them
sogers is g'wine into camp in the road /
reckon, for they's jest making theyse's
free afo' the house, and they's am oiicer
in the company room with his spurs
cooked on the table, readm' a book.
A quick fame leaped into Thankful $
check. and her pretty brows nit them
selves over darkening eyes. Hhe arose
from her work no longer the moody girl
but an indignant goddess, and puShlnE
the servant aside. swept down the STAIRS
and threw open the door.
An officer sitting by the fire IN an easy
lounging attitude that justified the sery-
ants criticism. arose instantly with an air
NJ evident embarrassment and surprise
that was, however, As quickly dominated
and controlled by a gentleman's breeding.
II beg your pardon, % be said, with q
deep inclination Of his handsome head,
"but / had no idea that there was any
member Of this household at home-at
least, "A lady. He hesitated a moment
catching in the raising of her brown
fringed lids a sudden revelation of her
beauty and partly losing his composure
II am Mai. Van Iandt; have the honor
Of addressing -
"fhaukful Blossom" said Thankful a
little proudly, diyining, with % "omans
swift instinct, the cause of the MAJOR $
hesitation. But her triumph was checked
by a new embarrassment visible Do the
face Of the officer as the mention of her
name.
Thankful Blossom" replied the officer
quickly. you are, then, the daughter
Of Abner Blossomf'
Certainly. said Thankful, turning
her inQuiriug eyes upon him. Gle viii
be- here betimes. He has gone only 20
Niorristown " In a new fear that had
taken possession of her. her questioning
yves asked "Has he not,f
The officer. answering her ewes rather
.hon her Inns. came toward her gravely
ole will NOT return today. Mistress Thank !
,ul. nor perhaps even tomorrow. He is
"a prisoner. "
Thankful opened her brown eyes aggres-
,iyely ON the major. "A prisoner-for
ghatg'
For aiding and giving comfort 10 the
and for barboring spies. " replied
.be major with military curtness.
Mistress Tbankful's cheek flushed
.igbtlv nj the last sentence; a recollection
the scene on the porch and the baron's
,toleu kiss flashed across her. and for a
she looked as guilty A. If the nan
before her had been a witness to the deed.
He saw it. and m-isinterpreted her con !
-usion.
..Beiike. then. % said Mistress Thankful, /
slightly raising her voice and standing
,~quarely before the major, "belike, then,
should De a prisoner too; for the guests
this house, II they be spies, were my
guests, and, as my fathers daughter, /
vas their hostess; ay, man, and right glad
be the hostess OF such gallant gentle
nen-gentlemen, warrant, TOO hne 70